Video Post § 003 [Filtered to Konoha Ninja]

[ura_no_ura]

[ooc: Occurs some time after this. Itachi, Sasuke, and Sakura filtered in as well.]*He looks tired, drained, and it's apparent even with the mask he has on. And the way he looks at the screen -- something's not right

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[fuzakenna]

*Sasuke's assessing Kakashi with a critical eye, slightly alarmed by the words that seem to be taking Kakashi longer than usual to choose.

It's not usually easy reading Kakashi, but Sasuke'd have to be a moron to miss the little jarring details staring at him through his Dreamberry. Even with his mask hooked up over his nose, Kakashi's failing at appearing completely unaffected -- he's not trying very hard at all.

Unless he's trying too hard. Sasuke can't tell for sure. He keeps his gaze trained to the heavy-lidded eye.* Where are you.

[ura_no_ura]

*He looks like he normally does when he flickers on screen. Unaffected, except a touch tired. Weary, almost.* I'm currently near Yondaime-sama's home... We'll most likely be having a meeting soon around this area.

[wind_upon_waves]

*He looks concerned and grim, his lips pulled into a taut line.* Kakashi. Can you make it to my place or should meet you halfway? *Something tells Minato that the weariness Kakashi is exposing is only a small part of what he actually feels.*

[ura_no_ura]

I can make it there. *He looks tired, but that's about all he's revealing. At least, over the Dreamberry.*

[riotous_blossom]

W-what?! We're... we're not gonna let someone like that get away with it, are we? We have to stop him!

[ura_no_ura]

*His expression is all but unreadable when he flickers on screen.* We will. *A slight pause* I don't think you'll be active on this mission. But you might be allowed to come to our meeting... *Especially as Sakura's been in Somarium longer than any of them, it could be advantageous to have her there for her input.*

[riotous_blossom]

But... I can't just let people do stuff like that. That kid's in trouble, and we need to save him! If we all go in together there's no way we can lose!

[ura_no_ura]

*He sighs* But if we all go in together without knowing anything about the situation, we might end up with a dead hostage. It's not so easy when there's a hostage involved -- especially when we're up against someone who can read minds. The way we approach this is going to have to be very careful. *He pauses here* I'm sure there will be some aspect of the mission we can use your help in... but it won't be in our offensive strategy.

[seeing_only_red]

*Itachi stares at Kakashi's ragged and exhausted face as if he had never seen the man before. It is not the first time that he has seen Kakashi so drained and defeated, yet it had been so long ago, and times had been so different then that he would not have hesitated to...

Instead he focuses on the message Kakashi was sending. He was personally asking for Itachi's help against an unknown enemy, but he was also calling on all of the Konoha ninja for aid. For Itachi to go him, when all he was still considered an enemy himself by so many of them, would only cause more harm than good. His cover would be blown.*

Kakashi... You know my presence is neither necessary, nor wise. If it is another Sharingan user you need, Sasuke is more than good enough.

[ura_no_ura]

*Kakashi had expected that Itachi would respond in this way, but understands far too well what they would be risking. He takes a slow breath, then exhales, nodding slightly down at the screen.*

I understand. *He says quietly.*

[seeing_only_red]

*Those two words bring a sense of...disappointment that Itachi did not know he could feel. He knows his decision is the correct one, and yet he feels as if...he had made the wrong choice. It is heavy feeling he accepts quietly, as he always does.*

Should things become too severe, I may reassess my position if necessary. As of now, it is best I remain as neutral as I am capable, outside of Akatsuki's activities.

[ura_no_ura]

*It would've been far better to have Itachi on their side -- Itachi who is so strong, so skilled, at genjutsu, and would most likely be able to stand a better chance than what they have right now. But with them still alive -- things are different. Precarious. And it's important, vital, even -- that Itachi doesn't do anything that might compromise the situation.*

No, it's best that you maintain your position. *Kakashi says, his tone decisive, now that he's considered the circumstances a little more.*